By Ebuanekpe Joy
The 2023/2024 School‑Based Management Committee – School Improvement Programme (SBMC‑SIP) Cluster‑Based Training, organized by Edo SUBEB, was held from Monday 28th to Wednesday April 30th, 2025, across the three (3) Senatorial Districts of Edo State. The workshop convened Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) SBMC‑Desk Officers and SBMC‑SIP Project Implementation Sub – Committees (PISCs) members from across Edo State.
Throughout the days, participants engaged in dynamic sessions on project management, monitoring and evaluation, and community engagement—each tailored to the 31 approved school improvement projects. Facilitators combined case studies with group exercises, ensuring attendees could draft detailed work plans, establish realistic timelines, and allocate resources effectively. The collaborative format encouraged peer‑to‑peer learning, allowing officers and committee members to exchange best practices and tackle common challenges together.
In a show of commitment to rapid implementation, organizers announced that the first tranche disbursement of project funds would be released immediately. Beneficiary schools have already received financing agreements and documentation templates; LGEA offices will process these to expedite disbursement. With funds on the way, project activities—from minor infrastructure upgrades to procurement of essential teaching materials—are slated to begin within weeks.
To steer each project’s execution, every LGEA will appoint a seven‑member technical committee. Chaired by the Head of Session- Social Mobilization, each committee will also include the Head of Planning, Research & Statistics; Head of Finance; Education Officer; SBMC Advisory Chairman; LGEA Project Officer; and Social Mobilization Officer, who will serve as secretary. These committees will vet community proposals, oversee procurement, coordinate stakeholder communication, and enforce the monitoring protocols introduced during the training.
Edo SUBEB Chairman Barrister Mrs. Onomen Briggs expressed optimism about the programme’s potential to transform educational outcomes and applauded UBEC’s ongoing support and collaboration. She emphasized that this initiative aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision of “Education for All,” and pledged that SUBEB is poised to work tirelessly to ensure that every child in Edo State benefits from quality schooling.
Participants left the workshop confident in their ability to apply the skills they gained. Many praised the practical nature of the exercises and valued the opportunity to network with colleagues from other districts.
Training facilitators which include Mr. Ighodaro Augustine – Director Social Mobilization and Mrs. Akinlehin-Otokiti Temitope – SBMC Desk Officer recommended ongoing follow‑up visits, periodic refresher workshops, and strengthened collaboration between LGEA offices and school stakeholders to ensure the initiative’s sustainability.
The attendees comprised Head of Sessions SM (HOSs SM), SBMC Chairmen, Treasurers and Secretaries, along with Mr. Wobin Douglas, Social Mobilization Officer from UBEC, and Engr. Osarumwense I. James, representing the Director of Projects and Physical Planning Department.
With Capacity‑Building complete and resources set for deployment, the 2023/2024 SBMC‑SIP Cluster‑Based Training has laid a robust foundation for meaningful improvements in school infrastructure, teaching resources, and overall student engagement. Stakeholders are confident that these 31 projects will deliver tangible benefits to schools and communities across Edo State.
